While you might be able to breeze through your workday most of the time without issue, from time to time, you may have to deal with co-worker problems. Isolated incidents are common, but if you have a continuing situation on your hands, you may need to document what is happening and alert management. This documentation will help management understand the problem and deal with the offending co-worker effectively. Thus, the information you include must be detailed and organized.

Make sure the incident warrants documentation. If a co-worker is simply a nuisance, you might not need to take detailed notes of all annoying occurrences. However, if the incident prevents you from doing your job effectively and involves some type of harassment or discrimination, you should report it.

Note the date and exact time of all incidents, particularly if you are dealing with a co-worker who harasses you on a regular basis throughout the day. This will give management a clear picture of what you are facing on a day-to-day basis in the workplace. Make sure to include this information first in your report.

Describe the incidents fully near each time and date you provide in clear and concise language. Avoid incendiary or emotional language in your report. Try to look at the situation as a police officer would -- impartial, just gathering the facts.

Ask employees who witnessed the incidents to read your report and sign/date it. Most should be willing to back you up, particularly if the incidents were severe in nature. Don't be surprised if some refuse to get involved, however.

Include your name, position and contact information (email address and phone number) somewhere in the document. Anonymous complaints are pointless, especially in harassment cases. You should definitely include your signature and the date at the end of the document.

Take several copies of your report and hand one to your immediate supervisor and one to a human resources representative. Keep the extra copies for your files.

About the Author

Kate McFarlin is a licensed insurance agent with extensive experience in covering topics related to marketing, small business, personal finance and home improvement. She began her career as a Web designer and also specializes in audio/video mixing and design.